Please carefully read the definitions above and highlight the sections that mean the most to you.

The first sacrifice for sin was accomplished by God in the Garden of Eden. The last sacrifice for sin was confirmed by Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The road to the cross was paved with sacrifice. Most of the definitions above speak of the giving of One for the sake of another. God gave Jesus, His Son in sacrifice for us (for you , for me) not only because of our need, but because of His great love for us.

This Thanksgiving, let’s give thanks to God for those who sacrificed to give us life.

For Jesus: Thank you, God, for giving Jesus as sacrifice for our sin. Because of Jesus’ death on the cross, we now live an abundant life.

For caregivers: Thank you, Father, for the sacrifice of our caregivers; for their struggle to feed, clothe, love and care for us, often at the expense of their own needs and comfort.

For First Responders: Thank You for those You’ve set in place who sacrifice their comfort and safety to cover us with their protection and service. Give them your strength and courage to go forth in the work You have given them; the defense and care of those in need.

For Health Care Workers: Thank you, Father, for the tireless service and ministry of health care workers, who often risk their own health for the healing of others.

For Teachers: Father in heaven, thank you for teachers who are often underpaid, and overworked. Many teachers give from their own resources to supply their classrooms, and provide food and clothing for their students. Give teachers rest and peace this Thanksgiving season.

I recently spent two weeks in Uganda, Africa on a mission trip. Being my third trip to Africa, I have seen more poverty than I imagined existed in this century. I have watched women bake rolls in an underground oven lined with handmade bricks. I have also had the humbling privilege of helping place brand new Bibles in the hands of nearly 200 Africans. Before we gifted the Bibles during my latest trip, my team leader asked if any of them already had a Bible of their own and, out of forty kids, only two raised their hand. When they bowed to thank us, their knees nearly touched the ground. [Read more…]

Last week was not a week that I am proud of.

My attitude was weighing me down, becoming progressively worse as the week went on. If I am totally honest about it, I have to admit that I was mired in anger, frustration, and stress and really didn’t want to listen to what God wanted me to do about it. [Read more…]

Washing dishes, mopping the floor, grocery shopping, taking sick kids to the doctor, cooking meals…do you ever wonder if any notices all the work you do! Does anyone care? Someone does notice your effort and sacrifice. To do the study A Servant’s Heart, just click on the link!

And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. Matthew 26: 6-7

I love the picture of this scene. Jesus is sitting at a table surrounded by His friends when a woman comes up to Him holding a beautiful alabaster bottle of an expensive perfume. Before anyone knows what is happening, she breaks the bottle and pours it onto Jesus’ head. You can imagine a stunned silence and then Jesus’ friends start to criticize her for her wasteful actions. Jesus, however, does not see it this way. Jesus honors her for her gift to Him and even says that she has anointed His body for burial.

FIrst of all, I love the bravery this woman had. She put aside any fears of personal humiliation and embarrassment and acted out of a genuine love for Jesus. She did not care how she looked in other’s eyes; she just knew she had to act.

Next, I notice the sacrifice of this woman’s gift. This gift of perfume was a priceless gift–that’s one reason why Jesus’ friends were so indignant. They thought she should have sold the perfume and given the money to the poor. She, however, realized the true value of Jesus and that her gift really paled in comparison next to Him. But she gave Him the best she had.

Finally, what she did ministered to Jesus. Her literal outpouring of love and devotion encouraged Jesus’ heart, which was probably heavy with the weight of His supreme sacrifice yet to come.

As I look at her example, she causes me to think about my own reaction to and for Jesus. Am I as brave as she was? Would I do something for Jesus if it caused others to look down on me or think I was weird? Do I care more about Him than about my own reputation?

Next, I have to ask myself do I give Jesus the best of what I have, or am I giving Him my leftovers? And I just don’t mean material things here–all of my resources including my time. Do I only serve Jesus when it is convenient for me, or do I follow the Holy Spirit’s leading and give the best of what I have in all areas? He is worth it.

One brave woman whose example is forever captured in the Bible has given me much to think about this Easter week.